At Youth for Today and Tomorrow (YTT), we’re committed to empowering young people and transforming communities through innovative projects in agriculture, renewable energy, peace-building, and mental health. Here’s an update on our work in Tsholotsho, Bulawayo, and Matobo, and a glimpse into our exciting plans for 2025.
Tsholotsho: Growing Futures, One Garden and Goat at a Time
In Tsholotsho, our Harnessing Youth Potential (HYP) projects are making a tangible difference in the lives of young people and their communities.
Sandisele Youth Garden
Milestones:
- Identified and approved land in early 2023, followed by borehole drilling (water found at 42 meters!).
- Installed fencing, a solar-powered pump, piping, and a 10,000-liter water tank.
- Community members cleared the land and created garden beds, planting a variety of crops.
Successes:
- The garden has a steady water supply, enabling consistent crop production.
- Members have sold vegetables at local markets, using the income to pay school fees and support their families.
Challenges:
- The 10,000-liter tank is insufficient for the garden’s needs. Plans are underway to purchase an additional tank.
2025 Plans:
- Expand water infrastructure and introduce high-value crops like herbs and strawberries.
- Organize community market days to boost sales and attract donors.
Goat Rearing Project
- Milestones:
- Distributed 50 goats to community members in 2022.
- Provided training on goat care, breeding, and disease prevention.
Successes:
- The goat population has grown to over 300, with third-generation kids now thriving.
Challenges:
- Over 60% of the original goats were lost to predators, illness, and injuries.
2025 Plans:
- Introduce new Boer goats to strengthen the breed and improve genetic quality.
- Provide advanced training in goat rearing and explore goat milk and cheese production.
Matobo: Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience
In Matobo, our Lahlingubo Youth Garden and Goat Rearing Project are empowering communities despite challenges.
Lahlingubo Youth Garden
Milestones:
- Borehole drilled in 2023 (water found at 120 meters after initial challenges).
- Installed fencing, solar panels, piping, and a water tank.
- Community members cleared the land and began planting.
Successes:
- Despite water scarcity, members have fetched water from a nearby well to keep the garden productive.
- Some members have sold vegetables at the Maphisa market, using the income to pay school fees.
Challenges:
- Low water table due to El Niño drought.
- Pests like red spider mites and rocky soil have affected crop yields.
2025 Plans:
- Explore rainwater harvesting and secondary borehole drilling.
- Provide training on pest management and introduce high-value crops.
Goat Rearing Project
Milestones:
- Distributed 50 goats to community members in 2022.
Successes:
- The remaining goats have bred successfully, with over 300 goats now in the community.
Challenges:
- High losses due to predators and illness.
2025 Plans:
- Strengthen the herd with new Boer goats and improve predator control measures.
- Establish goat-rearing cooperatives to pool resources and access larger markets.
Bulawayo: Creating Safer Schools and Peaceful Communities
In Bulawayo, our Safer Schools and Communities Project is transforming schools into spaces of learning, growth, and peace.
Milestones:
- Working with 14 schools (6 in Bulawayo, 4 in Matobo North, and 4 in Matobo South).
- Conducted workshops on conflict resolution, mental health, and drug abuse prevention.
- Established psych clinics to provide free counseling to learners.
Successes:
- Reduced incidents of bullying and violence in participating schools.
- Improved mental health outcomes for learners through counseling and workshops.
2025 Plans:
- Host a Peace Camp for in-school youths to promote leadership and peace-building skills.
- Expand the project to more schools and launch a mental health awareness campaign.
- Train peer educators to spread awareness about mental health and conflict resolution.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
Our work in Tsholotsho, Matobo, and Bulawayo is transforming lives and communities, but we can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can support us in 2025:
- Donate: Help us expand our gardens, strengthen our goat herds, and create safer schools.
- Partner: Collaborate with us to amplify our impact and reach more communities.
- Volunteer: Share your skills and time to empower young people.
Together, we can unlock the potential of youth and build a future where everyone thrives.